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After the post on Chrysler considering killing the Jeep Wrangler, we circled back and actually read the source material Edmunds InsideLine links to and decided maybe Chrysler wasn't looking at killing the golden goose after all. After looking over the statements from Robert Manzo, the executive director of Capstone Advisory Group LLC who's been hired to consult on this whole Chrysler bankruptcy thing, we don't see verbiage claiming what Edmunds InsideLine claims.

Manzo's statements reflect more of an opinion on the state of the Jeep brand sale and the reasons why potential buyers would shy away from taking over the legendary brand. We'll blame the lawyer-speak for our leap to the extreme conclusion. Perhaps we should have paid closer attention during those accounting courses, or, you know, taken accounting courses.

I see the jeep wrangler as more of a dinosaur. I mean if they killed it why couldn't I just buy one that was 5 years old. Same car for the most part. If you have a frame, you can build an entire jeep out of a JC Whitney catalog. Technically, aside form things like SATNAV why isn't an 8 year old Jeep just as good as a 1 year old Jeep. Besides the fact that it will be falling apart.

There is a jeep specialist dealership here, and they sell restored and modified jeeps of all years. I am not a jeep aficionado, but I cannot tell them apart.

I see the jeep wrangler as more of a dinosaur. I mean if they killed it why couldn't I just buy one that was 5 years old. Same car for the most part...Technically, aside form things like SATNAV why isn't an 8 year old Jeep just as good as a 1 year old Jeep. Besides the fact that it will be falling apart.

They are the best off road vehicle made, they changed quite a bit in 2007, and they still sell extremely well.

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There is a jeep specialist dealership here, and they sell restored and modified jeeps of all years. I am not a jeep aficionado, but I cannot tell them apart.

You obviously aren't the type of person who buys a Jeep. The differences between CJs, YJs, TJs, and JKs are easily noticeable by anyone, and true "aficionados" can tell you several differences from year to year.

I would like to see Chrysler sell the Wrangler brand to an independent the way they're trying to sell the Viper though.

There's a lot more Chrysler news today, and for fans of the company and its brands, most of it isn't good.

The worst so far: the Dodge Viper and the Jeep Wrangler may be axed entirely. This comes from a document filed by Robert Manzo, the executive director of Capstone Group, LLC, who's been brought in as a sort of "expert witness" speaking in favor of the Chrysler/Fiat marriage. Manzo presents a liquidation analysis which "assumes four car lines are sold as going concerns (Wrangler, Viper, Ram/Dakota Truck, and Brampton Car)." In particular, he points to the prohibitive costs associated with the purchase of the Wrangler: in addition to the $330+ million purchase price, any buyer would need to chuck in an additional $550+ million in dealer costs, re-stocking costs, re-launch costs, etc. In this economy, finding such a big spender won't be easy.

(FYI, if you'd like to slog through the legalese yourself, it's found at ChryslerRestructuring.com. Just click on the "list of the First Day Motions", find Docket #52, "Declaration of Robert Manzo", and zip down to page 124. It's a non-stop thrill ride.)

Keep in mind, however, that Manzo isn't Chrysler, and although he's working with the company to clinch the deal, his is not the final word. Which means that selling off the Viper and the Wrangler are merely suggestions--and not necessarily great ones.

My dad bought two 2009 Wranglers last month. Why? I'm not sure, but he wanted one and he wanted one for my sister (teenage girl cited in article) to drive. He said they were dirt cheap and basically throw-away vehicles. The dealer (Chrysler & Jeep only) said in the last month 70% of their sales were Jeep and or that, 70% were the Wrangler.

That being said, I used to own a 1997 Grand Cherokee and while it was not the best vehicle quality wise. I loved it. We took the pair of Wranglers out this past weekend to go wheeling and I had so much fun it was rediculous. Jeeps are not practical, not the most reliable, but they are fun. Ask nearly anyone who has owned one and they'll admit that they are fun.

The problem is that Jeep should be a niche vehicle and not mainstream like Chrysler has mad it with the addition of all these idiot small Jeeps like the compass, patriot, etc. They need to get back to their roots and concentrate very hard on the Jeep name and image. The Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and the Wrangler should be kept and the rest left to die.

I see no reason why Jeep cannot continue to exist as a specialty brand making weekend warrior vehicles instead of soccer mom war wagons.

I really hope Jeep is parred down and survives this mess. It is an icon. When I have some extra cash I'll buy another as they are fun as hell.

Here's an idea: A hybrid Jeep. That would renew interest in the brand.

More consistently, I've found Jeep owners to be more friendly, outgoing, creative, and DIY than any group of car owners I've ever encountered. Coming from a Jeep back ground, I miss the community. Subaru is nice, but pales in comparison. Too many asshats.

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Originally Posted by SCRAPPYDO

Fair enough, I appreciate Jeep sticking to its design theme. Make one thing and keep making it better (in theory at least). It works for Porsche and Corvette.

I would disagree about the solidity of jeeps. The ones I have worked on have been a conglomeration of parts both metric and standard. Of course, my experience is limited to Cherokee's.. not wranglers.

My 1997 Grand hit 150K and exploded. I'm talking $500 a month to keep it on the road. It was like having to make payments again. Stupid things like circuit boards, cluster, ecu, etc. The motor, trans, drivetrain and suspension were rock solid. I guess if that's all you care about (for offroading or whatever) you're fine with it, but I was a little pissed to have a "luxury" vehicle with most of the amenities not functioning properly. That being said, I regret to this day selling it. There was just something about it that I enjoyed.

And the metric/standard mix drove me nuts and ensured that I was always without the socket/wrench size I needed.

I have found every Wrangler and Cherokee that I've owned to be nearly bullet proof (I live only a couple hours from Moab, I know bullet proof), but they have all had the 4.0 inline six. That was a great engine. (I sold my '91 cherokee with 331,000 miles on it and can't remember having any major problems.)
I have been contemplating the new JK, because they come standard with 32" tires and can go bigger for much less $$ than the older models, but I was realy hoping for a diesel.
If ever there were a vehicle that could use the fuel economy+torque of a diesel it's the wrangler.

+1 for jeep being a tight knit community. 95% ive met are friendly, helpful, and very diy minded.

I have been contemplating the new JK, because they come standard with 32" tires and can go bigger for much less $$ than the older models, but I was realy hoping for a diesel.
If ever there were a vehicle that could use the fuel economy+torque of a diesel it's the wrangler.

+1 for jeep being a tight knit community. 95% ive met are friendly, helpful, and very diy minded.

+1 If there was a diesel Wrangler I'd go buy one this week. Sadly Chrysler never saw the potential in that one.

Yeah, the 4.0 inline is an awesome motor for sure. While underpowered in my Grand, it took a beating and just kept going. Too bad all the electronics sucked. I'd bet that generation wrangler without all the "luxury" items was solid as hell. Then again, I beat the piss out of that vehicle so maybe the problems were expected.

My buddy just bought an 88 Cherokee and it's running awesome on a completely original drivetrain. It's his first Jeep and he loves it.